Profepa Shuts Down Two Puerto Juárez Projects for Environmental Violations

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Profepa, Mexico’s federal environmental enforcement agency, has ordered the temporary closure of two construction projects in Puerto Juárez after inspectors found irregularities in their environmental permits.

The closures were part of a nationwide inspection sweep conducted Aug. 24-29 across coastal ecosystems in 15 states, Profepa announced. The operation targeted mangroves, wetlands, dunes and federal maritime-terrestrial zones, as well as activities involving changes in land use.

Profepa personnel carried out 36 inspection visits during the operation. Of those, 23 were linked to properties, businesses and real estate developments; 10 covered the occupation and use of federal maritime-terrestrial zones and reclaimed land; and three involved vessels. The inspections resulted in 18 closures and the seizure of three boats found on reefs inside protected natural areas in Yucatán without authorization, the agency said.

In Puerto Juárez, on the outskirts of Cancún, the inspections led to temporary full closures of the projects “Thea Condos” and “Piedra del Mar.” At the first site, Profepa documented a four-story building; at the second, inspectors found an eight-story structure.

The agency also checked compliance with regulations requiring Turtle Excluder Devices, which are designed to prevent sea turtles from being caught in trawling nets.

The nationwide operation involved 114 personnel from the National Guard, the Mexican Navy, the Army (SEDENA), the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), the National Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA) and local agencies.